The passage of new legislation banning child marriage in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, was recently celebrated globally. But despite constitutional protections, child marriage still runs rampant across the country due to a lack of enforcement, exposing millions to exploitation, early pregnancies, domestic violence, and educational exclusion. 

More than policy, commitment is needed

The Constitution of Pakistan provides the legal basis for protecting children from marriage before 18. However, due to a mix of outdated laws, provincial variations, and opposition from religious conservatives, child marriage continues to plague many areas. To date, only Sindh and Islamabad have made efforts to enforce 18 as the minimum age to marry.  

Dawn reports Country Director of Save the Children, Khurram Gondal, said:  

“True change requires more than policies; it demands consistency, commitment, and the collective efforts of government, civil society, and local partners.” 

And sadly, it’s young girls who are paying the price for this gap between law and enforcement. According to UNICEF, there are over 19 million child brides in Pakistan. That means nearly 1 in 6 young women married before the age of 18. And as many as 4.8 million girls were married before the age of 15.  

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